The 70th National Film Awards brought together the best of Indian cinema, celebrating the outstanding achievements of actors, directors, and technicians across the country. This year’s awards highthe depth and diversity of talent in the industry, from big stars to regional gems.
Big Wins for Rishabh Shetty and Nithya Menon
Rishabh Shetty, who has been making waves with his work, won the Best Actor award for his powerful performance in Kantara. His portrayal of a man caught in the complexities of tradition and modernity struck a chord with both audiences and critics, earning him this top honor.
The Best Actress category saw a unique twist this year, with the award being shared by two exceptional performers. Nithya Menon took home the award for her role in Thiruchitrambalam, where she brought depth and emotion to her character. Manasi Parekh also shared the title for her captivating performance in Kutch Express. Both actresses delivered standout performances that left a lasting impression.
A Spotlight on Supporting Roles
In the supporting categories, Pawan Raj Malhotra won Best Supporting Actor for his nuanced role in the Oriya film Oriya. His ability to bring life to a character with subtlety and grace was a key element of the film’s success.
Veteran actress Neena Gupta continued to show her incredible range by winning Best Supporting Actress for her role in Retained. Her performance once again proved why she is one of the most respected figures in Indian cinema.
Celebrating Directorial and Technical Excellence
This year, the Best Director award went to Suraj Barjatya for his work on Placed. Known for his ability to tell heartfelt stories that resonate with a wide audience, Barjatya’s latest film was no exception, blending strong storytelling with visual beauty.
Kanthara (Kannada) was a big winner, being named Best Popular Film. The film’s widespread appeal and strong narrative made it a favorite among audiences, solidifying its place as a cultural phenomenon.
In the technical categories, Ravivarman won Best Cinematography for his stunning work on Ponniyin Selvan-1. His visuals were a key part of what made the film such a grand cinematic experience.
Music played a crucial role in Brahmastra, and Shiva and Pritam were both honored with the Best Musician award for their work on the film’s score. Meanwhile, AR Rahman added another feather to his cap with the Best Re-Recording award for Ponniyin Selvan-1, showcasing his unmatched skill in enhancing the film’s emotional depth through sound.
Johnny Master and Satish Krishnan were recognized as Best Choreographers for their energetic and innovative dance sequences in Thiruchitrambalam. Anbarivu’s high-octane action choreography in KGF 2 earned them the Best Action Director award, further establishing the film’s reputation as an action-packed blockbuster.
Regional Films Shine Bright
The National Film Awards also put a spotlight on the vibrant regional film industries, celebrating the best films from different parts of the country:
- Karthikeya 2 took home the award for Best Telugu Film, recognized for its engaging storytelling and strong performances.
- In Tamil, Ponniyin Selvan-1 was honored as Best Film, praised for its epic scale and attention to historical detail.
- KGF 2 continued its winning streak by being named Best Kannada Film, cementing its status as a major cinematic event.
- The Best Malayalam Film award went to Saudi Vellakka, a film that brought a fresh perspective to its audience.
- Dhaman was recognized as the Best Oriya Film, showcasing the richness of Oriya cinema.
- Valvi won Best Marathi Film, highlighting the film’s strong narrative and emotional resonance.
- In Hindi, Gulmohar was named Best Film, celebrated for its compelling story and impactful performances.
- Kaberi Antardhan was honoured as the Best Bengali Film, noted for its gripping narrative and powerful direction.
- Baaghi Dee Dee took the award for Best Punjabi Film, recognized for its strong performances and cultural significance.
The 70th National Film Awards were a true celebration of the incredible talent and diversity within Indian cinema. This year’s winners reflect the creativity, passion, and dedication of filmmakers across the country, and they serve as a reminder of the power of storytelling in all its forms.
Read Also: Double iSmart Review